Another startup question

[tigger1]

Hey all, Me again.

I'm setting up my 55 gal tank, It was a salt water tank so i have the wet/dry syphon drip system for filtration. Ive been trying to do the fishless cycle using the pure ammonia. Its been 4 weeks now and with testing every day the ammonia ranges from 1.0-3.0 (cards are hard to read) and the Nitrites are still showing 0. I did put the sponge filter media from my 10gal into the tank hoping that would speed up the process and also put in that "cycle" stuff from the lfs (didn't have the receipt to take it back so used it). The only thing the tank has done is gotten cloudy. I'm i doing something wrong or is it just that long to do? Do I need to test for anything else besides ammonia and nitrites?

Thanks for the help
Tigger1

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

When are you doing the tests? Are you doing them before you add the ammonia for the day or after? You should be seeing something. What is your nitrate reading?

[tigger1]

I do the tests once a day. If i add ammonia to it i leave it for 24 hours then test it again. I haven't been testing for nitrates yet.

That was a fast response heheh thanks ;)
Tigger1

[fins_n_fur]

I don't have experience with wet/dry siphon filtration, so I'm going to assume there is some kind of media in the filter, like ceramic rings and/or balls, right?

Typically, you should be adding enough ammonia to the tank every day to get to about 4-5 ppm for the ammonia test (that gets to lowered to about half once you see nitrites). What is your water temp? Turn your heater up to about 82-84 and if you have an air stone or a means of oxygenating the water, I would use it.

You may have slowed your cycle with the "cycle" product. Can you tell us exactly what the brand it is and some of us can go look it up to see what it does (like make ammonia inactive)? Typically any "cycling" product is meant to be used in a tank with fish, assuming they work.

[tigger1]

The filter has the plastic balls but i put a layer or 2 of bonded filter pad where the water flows down from the tubing then down to the balls then there is a large rectangle sponge between the balls and the water return side.

The temperature is showing about 90 degrees. I've never been able to get the ammonia past what looks like a dark 2.0 and i use a 1/2 tsp dropper each time i add some to the tank. I have 2 airstones and a decorative rock with a built in airstone going at all times.

The cycle product i used is "Cycle Biological Aquarium Supplement " I got it from Petsmart. I was told in another posting that it was usless but as i said i lost the receipt to return it i just used it. I used the small bottle and used half first then waited 7 days like it instructed then finished it off. The description from petsmart listing says:

"Keeps fish and aquariums healthy. An all-natural product that releases massive amounts of beneficial bacteria into aquarium. Each dose works to reduce dangerous ammonia and nitrite levels in the aquarium--this helps to prevent fish loss. Great to use when setting up a new tank, after medicating fish, and as part of routine weekly maintenance."

[fins_n_fur]

Each dose works to reduce dangerous ammonia and nitrite levels in the aquarium--this helps to prevent fish loss. Great to use when setting up a new tank, after medicating fish, and as part of routine weekly maintenance."
This is quite possibly why you are not showing enough ammonia and nitrites in your tests. Have you tried testing for nitrates?

[tigger1]

No, I need to buy the Nitrate tester. I just did my ammonia and Nitrite and the ammonia is showing down to 1.0 from my adding more ammonia to it on sunday and the Nitrites are still showing 0. Gonna have to add more ammonia. should i test it an hour after to see if it gets to 4.0-5.0?

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

I'd check to see if you have any nitrates. I highly suspect you will have a nitrate reading.

[fins_n_fur]

If you haven't already added your daily dose of ammonia, then do so. If you have done, don't add more.

I agree with ILMGB--test for nitrates first.

[tigger1]

Ok just back from the lfs around the corner and no go on the Nitrate tester so ill pick one up tomorrow at the petsmart when im in the area. No I haven't added the ammonia yet but will do it after posting this.

Thanks for the great quick responses and will update you tomorrow on the Nitrates. Thanks guys :19:


Tigger1
P.s. I have pictures that I'd like to post but don't know how, any hints on that subject?

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

You have to scroll down to "Manage Attachments" at the bottom of the Post Reply screen. There are size limits on photos.

[fins_n_fur]

When you start a new thread or post, click on the paper clip icon--that's the attachment manager, where you upload pictures, or create your photo gallery (see link in main menu to the left) and use the postcard/picture icon (fifth from right on bottom, when starting a new post/thread. Good luck.

[tigger1]

Thank you again will give it a try.

[tigger1]

Ok, update. After putting 2tsp of ammonia after yesturday's postings. Just tested(approx. 24 hours later) ammonia (1.0) Nitrites (0) and Nitrates (20). Where does that leave me?

Thanks
Tigger1

[bushwhacker]

Ok, update. After putting 2tsp of ammonia after yesturday's postings. Just tested(approx. 24 hours later) ammonia (1.0) Nitrites (0) and Nitrates (20). Where does that leave me?

Thanks
Tigger1

sounds like your tossing ammonia in a cycled tank get fish...and do a water change to drop that ammonia

[tigger1]

cool deal. That's kind of what i was thinking but never seeing the Nitrites move concerned me.

Thanks again, time to go fish shopping whoo hoo :19:

Tigger1

[labnjab]

I have never seen any nitrites in any of my tanks while cycling, but they still cycle, its odd

[tigger1]

I just took another set of tests since yesturday and my ammonia is .25 my Nitrites are .25 and my nitrates are trying to break into the 40 mark. Looks like something is happening. Ill just keep adding a little ammonia everyday till the weekend then maybe ill try to add fish after the water change.

Thanks guys

Tigger1

[tigger1]

Another update. I haven't added ammonia since I think Friday. Changed out 15 gal of water. 24 hours later showing (0) ammonia, (0) nitrites, approx 20 Nitrates and a PH of 7.3.

Haven't been able to get any fish yet (maybe tomorrow). How are things looking to you guys before I buy them. I think things are good. Trying to get the PH down just a little bit.

Still want to post pix but i think the files are to big. Using a Sony cybershot.

Thanks again guys :)